Erwin Saavedra: Mamelodi Sundowns big money signing reveals contract length |

With Erwin Saavedra’s arrival in Mzansi imminent, the midfielder has revealed his contract length with Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as how Gaston Sirino is helping him even before arriving in South Africa.

Reports coming out of Bolivia suggest that Saavedra is expected to land in South Africa on Tuesday, where he is expected to begin life as a Sundowns player following his high-profile transfer last month.

As reported by Soccer Laduma, the 25-year-old was signed for a fee believed to be in the region of $800 000 (+- R12.2 million) – the highest transfer fee of any Bolivar player.

Now, ahead of his journey to the Premier Soccer League, the Bolivian international has revealed his contract length with the Chloorkop outfit, and how his former Bolivar teammate Gaston Sirino will help him navigate the language barrier.

“My contract is for two and a half years, but if the club wants it can be extended for another two more,” Saavedra told Bolivian publication Premiumsports.

“It will be very important, and the need will force me to learn (English) and it will be a nice experience. I had contact with Gastón and he is going to lend me a hand in whatever way he can.

“Now it’s my turn to join my new club, I know it’s very big there, that it has ambitions to fight for several titles and I hope to contribute as well,” he said.

Saavedra is Sundowns’ fourth signing following the acquisitions of Surprise Ralani, Teboho Mokoena and Abubeker Nasir.

Sundowns sign Saavedra

Mamelodi Sundowns have officially unveiled their new signing, Bolivian midfielder Erwin Saavedra. Erwin Saavedra signed for the Brazilians from Club Bolívar in Bolivia where he scored more than 50 goals in 300 games.

Saavedra joined Sundowns’ midfield rank alongside fellow signings, Teboho Mokoena and Bradley Surprise Ralani, who also signed during the transfer window, KickOff confirmed.

Despite Sundowns adding significantly to their team this year, co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi admitted that the Brazilians missed out on two marquee signings.

Manqoba Mngqithi admitted the club was tracking two promising talents before they made big-money moves. Mngqithi said that the Brazilians were interested in signing Luis Diaz and Vinícius Júnior.

Mngqithi added that they were tracking Diaz before his move to Porto. Diaz spent three years at Porto and became of the most exciting wingers in Europe. He has since made his way to the English Premier League after signing for Liverpool in the January transfer window.

Mngqithi explained that they were also monitoring Vinícius Júnior at the Brazilian Cup but slacked in approaching. Vinícius Júnior then signed for Spanish giants Real Madrid and is now one of the biggest stars in world football. He’s already scored 12 goals in La Liga this season.